Bruner makes sure of De Vere

AMERICAN Jerry Bruner put the memory of one of his most devastating losses behind him when he closed with a fine three-under-par 69 to claim a four-shot victory over Scotland’s John Chillas at the De Vere Northumberland Seniors Classic at Slaley Hall.

Mon, 23 Jun, 2003 - 01:00

Two years ago the diminutive American saw the De Vere title wrested from his grasp when Australia’s Noel Ratcliffe holed a 100-yard wedge shot on the final hole to pip him by a single shot.

But this time there was to be no repeat after he raced to the turn in two-under-par 34 and then came home in 35 to finish on 14-under-par 202.

Chillas carded a battling 68 to finish in second place on 206 while England’s Bob Cameron came third after posting a 68 for an eight-under-par total of 208.

“I have to admit that it took a while to get over the defeat here in 2001,” said Bruner after collecting the £22,500 winner’s cheque.

“I thought the title was in my pocket but then Noel finished with two eagles in his last three holes to beat me. It was a bit of a blow but this more than makes up for it. It’s great to win again.”

Meanwhile, New Zealander Lynnette Brooky held off England’s Trish Johnson to win the Open de France Dames.

The 35-year-old Kiwi closed with a final-round five-under-par 67 to finish on a 14-under total at Le Gold d’Arras, one shot clear of her playing partners to claim the 41,250 first prize.

Johnson rattled in six birdies during her 67 but a penalty drop resulting in a bogey at the 13th hole after she hit over the green ultimately cost her the title.

Vibeke Stensrud of Norway birdied the final hole for a 68 to jump into a tie with the Englishwoman.

And in only her second event back from giving birth last April, Sweden’s Carin Koch closed with a 68 to take outright fourth place on 10 under par, three shots clear of Spaniard Ana Belen Sanchez, who is making a strong case for automatic Solheim Cup selection, Sweden’s Marlene Hedblom and Stephanie Arricau from France.

“Trish is a really tough person to play against,” said Brooky.

“We had a great battle all day between the three of us and it’s great to win the title again.”